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Cellular Communication
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Cellular Communication

CELLULAR COMMUNICATION
Receptor
Molecule allowing a cell to recognize a message and respond to it
Ligand
Molecule that specifically binds to another molecule
Cell Junctions
  • Local signaling
  • Use gap junctions
  • Signals can bypass cell membrane
Direct Contact
  • Local signaling
  • Requires cell to cell contact
  • Signal molecule bound on cell membrane
  • Signal molecule on one cell binds to receptor molecule on another cell
Paracrine
  • Local signaling
  • Cell releases soluble signal molecules into the extracellular space
  • Signals diffuse from releasing cell and reach target cell
Synaptic
  • Local signaling
  • Allows neurons to pass signals to other cells
  • Use neurotransmitters as signal molecules
Endocrine
  • Long distance signaling
  • Signals travel through blood vessels before reaching target cell
  • Insulin released by pancreas into bloodstream causes cells all over the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream